Your mind is probably filled with ideas and desires, and advice from family, friends, and neighbors. You probably have questions such as: should we stay here or move? Should we expand the house or just leave everything as it is with some small alterations? The biggest hurdle is the question, “Where to start?” If this is the case with you, it is time to take a step back, think carefully, and look at the situation objectively.
Whether you are planning to renovate your entire home or do a thorough redesign, here are some guidelines on how to create a home that suits your needs in the best possible way!
Plan Ahead
If you are anticipating significant changes or even expansion, take your time in the beginning and think about what motivates you to start and move on to that change.
Where no major work is needed but only a redesign of the rooms, go through each of them and determine how much work is needed and what the approximate cost would be. If you don’t know this yourself, you probably have someone who has at least a little understanding of building/architecture and design, so ask them for help. Some designers and architects advise you to start from the hallway, others advise you to start from the attic (if you have one), i.e., the top floor.
Think about each room. Also, about the floors, walls, ceiling, lighting, and furniture. Make a list of the items you need to buy or edit, and don’t forget to write down all the dimensions you need. Reduce your stress and think twice before making big decisions.
What Will You Do With All Your Stuff?
As said at the beginning, one often asked question during and before home renovations is: should we stay here or move? Of course, during major home renovations that require the complete remodeling of entire home spaces, your best option is to find someplace to stay.
And when it comes to all your belongings and what to do with them, we advise finding proper storage space. Thankfully, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a storage unit to rent, and with a reliable mediator who’ll help you find the right location and price, you should be safe. This way, you can store all the big things, from furniture to closets, the kid’s bicycle, and toys, to your personal belongings, safely while you are staying at some other place during the remodeling. Think of this before you do any major work on the house; as a mid-project, it is almost impossible to save your stuff from being damaged.
Compare What You Have With What You Want
If your problems are related to the use of space, start preparing a list of the rooms you have and how you use them. Then list the spaces you want and that are available to you. Think of it like a brief overview of your ideal home. By comparing both lists, you should be able to determine what you need. The biggest challenge is actually realizing if what you want can be turned into action.
For example, can you put an extra bedroom on the first floor? Or in the attic? Can a guest room become a home office? Can you expand the living room? By comparing and making a simple list, you’ll prevent yourself from making bad decisions.
Natural Light
If light is your main concern, expanding a room and filling it with light can seem really tempting. But keep in mind that such an extension can reduce the light in existing rooms. Skylights are a great source of light and they are great for romantic souls!
If you have access to the garden or balcony, install windows from ceiling to floor to improve the quality of natural light and increase the space. Depending on the position of your home, the room next to the garden or balcony can be the brightest room in the home.
The “Extra” Room No One Uses
If you also have the one room that is avoided and all kinds of “unnecessary” little things are stored in it, such as prehistoric goods, exercise equipment that you never use, or toys and kids’ goods because they have outgrown them, there is a reason why this room is not used. Maybe, for example, that room is cold, strangely shaped, small, or needs some repair, but you can’t find the time and money.
Find out what the reason is and explore possible solutions and estimate the costs. Can a wall be torn down to create an open space or a larger bedroom or bathroom? Maybe just turning, changing the door, or installing a radiator can make a significant difference.
No matter the size and amount of work you have to do, stay focused and concentrated to the very end. Construction work is usually a long and arduous process, and with today’s lifestyle and other obligations, it is difficult to coordinate and do everything. Remember that your goal is to create the home of your dreams so that you and your family can enjoy it.